Right Reason

Why we do-what-we-do is worthy of our thoughts! The reasons we do-what-we-do may include ... we've always done it ... we're fully capable of doing it ... no one else will do it. The motivation of of doing something simply because you love doing it often gets muddled by other reasons. John 3:16 tells us " “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life." This familiar verse describes an action motivated by nothing other than ... love. Love is highly motivational - that is, as long as the love doesn't get lost in the act of doing-what-we-do. Lamentations affirm the "steadfast love of the LORD never ceases ... His mercies never come to an end" (3:22 ESV). Never ceasing love and unending mercies will go a long way with us as we do-what-we-do in faithfully imitating Jesus! Time, energy and resources of doing-what-we-do often frustrate us to the point we ... lose the love! There's a short and to-the-point verse that should be at the center of all we do as followers of Christ: "Let all that you do be done in love." (1 Corinthians 16:14 ESV). God's greatest act of love was done because of love! As we abide in Him, we'll never be lacking in genuine motivational love. God's love is always be the perfect measure of doing-what-we-do for the right reason. And, love is always the ... right reason.

Breathe-In

Have you ever been short-of-breath? It's uncomfortable and it can be scary! "Breathe in, breathe out" is a well-known relaxation exercise, and I suggest it is good spiritual practice. We read, "All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work." (2 Timothy 3:16-17 ESV). Deep physical breathing helps relieve stress and lowers the heart rate - it's good for the body. What's good for the soul is God's words of truth. I'm not sure I know anyone who escapes hurt, sorrow, discouragement, fear and anxiety; life is tough and seems to come at us incessantly. Do you see why we need to breathe-in the Word of God? It's the breath of the soul! Colossians 3:16 says, "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly." Richly refers to a wealth of abundance, an abounding supply of resources. I fear many Believers today are starving from the nourishment God's Word provides. We all need a healthy spiritual appetite. Jesus said, "Blessed [joyful, nourished by God's goodness] are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness [those who actively seek right standing with God], for they will be [completely] satisfied." (Matthew 5:6 AMP). Do not neglect what your soul needs most - the precious breathe of God, His Word ... breathe-in.

Power - Peace - Presence

There's a fine balance to co-existing with God's tiniest creatures - specifically bugs! While Mister Bill is faithful to spray, he loves glue traps. I'm convinced my death will come by way of a glue trap! Perhaps you've seen the bumper sticker boasting a "co-existence" between multiple gods. Think again! God's Word says, "Thus says the Lord, the King of Israel and His Redeemer, the Lord of hosts: 'I am the first and I am the last; besides Me there is no god." (Isaiah 44:6 ESV). Fools and skeptics regard this truth as an idea or theory, however, those who know the God of Scripture do not doubt because they have experienced His power, His peace and His presence. James 2:19 tells us, "You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe - and shudder!" God desires all people long for Him alone so He can save and deliver, extending mercy and grace to their souls - it is His nature to do so! He cannot and will not co-exist with any other god - "My glory I will not give to another" (Isaiah 48:11 ESV). Now, since bugs don't seem to be going anywhere, living with and among them is a fine (and thankfully) a manageable balance. Trying to find a balance between The One God and other gods is foolish and futile; it ultimately robs us of the precious rewards of God's ... power, peace, presence.

Run-To

My days of running are long passed! Although I was on the school's track team, I never really enjoyed running; I basically ran to stay in shape for basketball. Thoughts of those days just make this older-me hurt! David writes, "In the LORD I take refuge" (Psalm 11:1a NASB). How very different is our response when trouble comes: our first thought is to take flight, and usually to the wrong person, place or thing. For me, my first call is usually to Mister Bill! David continues, "How can you say to my soul, 'Flee as a bird to your mountain" (Verse 1b). A few chapters earlier David spoke of The LORD as a stronghold, and said this: "Those who know Your Name will put their trust in You, for You, O LORD, have not forsaken those who seek You." (Psalm 9:10 NASB). That word "know" in the Hebrew means to know "by experience." They have actually experienced God as the refuge, the stronghold in times of need. Oh what we forfeit when we run-to other people-places-things for our spiritual comfort and strength. Mister Bill has long been my go-to, my run-to - and I pray that will continue; however, he has his limitations. God is all-powerful, ever-faithful and longs to be The One we ... run-to.

His Name

Perhaps like me, you think of some families whose names bring great fondness - good reputations, integrity, kindness. On the other hand, other names ... well, not so much! The psalmist writes, "I will make Your Name to be remembered in all generations; therefore the peoples will praise and give You thanks forever and ever." (Psalm 45:17 AMP). Throughout Scripture, God speaks of His great name. While we are born-into our family's name and we choose the names of our children, no one named God! He introduced and identified Himself to His chosen people. While tending sheep, God revealed His Name to Moses: "I AM WHO I AM" (Exodus 3:14 ESV). In other words, God is exactly who He is ... He can't be anything nor anyone else. He is every bit as holy and righteous now as He has always been [from eternity past] and will always be [into eternity future]. He can be no other way! His Name represents every good and perfect attribute, characteristic of who He is. As Jesus prayed Himself and taught us to pray, He said address God this way: "Father, hallowed be Your Name" (Luke 11:2 (ESV). We live in a world when God's Name is abused, disrespected, dishonored and watered-down, however, His nature remains what it is - righteous and holy. He says, "I am the Lord; that is My Name; My glory I give to no other." (Isaiah 42:8). How easily we forget the privilege that is ours to sing-of and pray-to I AM, The One of unchanging and holy nature. Yes, what a privilege and joy! May it be my reputation, your reputation - from generation to generation, we ... make His Name known!